Pierre Paillard 'La Grande Recolte' Bouzy Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France

A true testament to the art of grower Champagne, La Grande Récolte is an exquisite expression of Bouzy’s legendary terroir, crafted only in the most exceptional vintages. This Grand Cru cuvée, composed of meticulously selected old-vine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, rests on its lees for a decade before release, emerging with the kind of layered complexity that only patience can deliver. Its richness, power, and crystalline structure make it a Champagne for both grand occasions and deeply personal moments, a bottle that will leave an impression long after the last sip.

Product Details:

• Origin: France > Champagne > Montagne de Reims > Bouzy Grand Cru
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru Bouzy
• Varietal: 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay
• Winemakers: Antoine and Quentin Paillard
• Vineyard Practices: Sustainable farming, cover cropping, no fertilizers for 20+ years, minimal intervention
• Vinification: First press of the finest lots, fermented in stainless steel, full malolactic fermentation
• Aging: Aged on lees for 10 years in 19th-century chalk cellars, disgorged with 1.8 g/L dosage (Extra Brut)
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Estate: Family-owned since 1768, 100% estate-grown fruit

Sensory Description:

A Champagne of striking depth and tension, La Grande Récolte is built on a foundation of ripe, Grand Cru fruit. Bright lemon and white cherry lift from the glass, mingling with layers of chalk, brioche, and delicate flake salts. The extended aging brings a beautiful autolytic character—think toasted almonds and fine patisserie—while a streak of electric acidity keeps everything taut and elegant. The finish is long and refined, a lingering balance of richness and minerality.

Winemaker’s Background:

The Paillard family has been cultivating vines in Bouzy since 1768, with the modern estate founded in 1946. Today, eighth-generation winemakers Antoine and Quentin Paillard carry forward a legacy of sustainability and precision. Their 28-acre estate, planted exclusively in the Grand Cru of Bouzy, follows meticulous vineyard management, favoring massale selection over clonal planting and avoiding chemical fertilizers entirely. Their approach—balancing ripeness with freshness—yields Champagnes that are both powerful and structured, yet finessed and age-worthy.

Serving Suggestions:

A Champagne of this caliber demands thoughtful pairing. Its richness and intensity make it a natural match for indulgent seafood: lobster, scallops, or buttery Dover sole. For a more adventurous route, try it with aged Comté or a delicate truffle risotto. Serve well-chilled (45–50°F) in a proper white wine glass to fully appreciate its complexity and evolution in the glass. This is a bottle that rewards patience, whether you're sipping now or cellaring for future celebrations.